Three new (ish) VWs: Scirocco R, a GTI, a Polo.

[Philly]

Well, folks, the first of the new R models is now official. Check out the new Scirocco R.

Okay, so we were wrong about the venue. This weekend, against the backdrop of the Nürburgring 24, Volkswagen will unveil the 265-horsepower Scirocco R to the public. The specs are unchanged from what we reported last night. The Scirocco shares its 265-horsepower/350 Nm (258 lb-ft) 2.0L turbo four with the Audi S3, but unlike the latter, the VW is a front-driver. Drivers pick gears via either a 6-speed stick or DSG, and the VW Scirocco R gets the XDS electronic differential featured in the new GTI. On the tarmac, the Scirocco R makes the run from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds with the manual gearbox. (Shave off another tenth with the DSG.) Outside, the bodywork apes that of the Scirocco GT24 racer, five of which will be competing in the 24-hour enduro at the Nordschleife. A meaner face, larger roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, 18-inch "Talladega" wheels, and the requisite badging visually separate the Scirocco R from its more sedate-looking siblings. Have a closer look in the hi-res gallery below.

I think it's a pretty cool looking car. I really wonder what it's capable of for acceleration though. VW claims 7.3 to 60 for the 200 hp GTI, yet magazines have run into the low 6s with the car. Do we think this thing will be tested well into the 5s?

It looks like they haven't really done all that much to counter the huge power coming through the front wheels though. As I understand, it has a bit of a torque limiter in the lower gears. I think a little poking around under the Focus RS could have made the car more able to put the power down.

Also today, we have the GTI and Polo Wörthersee concepts.

That red on the GTI photographs very well I think. I'd definitely like to see it in person, and I'd be very happy if VW offered that color in some kind of special edition, similar to the Fahrenheit editions of the MKVs. As for the Polo, I think it would look quite a bit better with some smaller wheels and without the stripes.

 

[homeforsummer]

I want that Scirocco...

 

[JCE]

265bhp + 258tq + FWD = wrong Sorry but as brilliant as it looks (and it does) and as awsome as VW is I just can't fathom why they didn't borrow a Quattro AWD system for that R model.

 

[homeforsummer]

265bhp + 258tq + FWD = wrong Sorry but as brilliant as it looks (and it does) and as awsome as VW is I just can't fathom why they didn't borrow a Quattro AWD system for that R model.

Nah, I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. Makers are getting to grips (no pun intended) with the high power + FWD thing now - just look at the new Focus RS.

You'd probably find that the AWD system didn't fit in the Scirocco. It's quite compact and I expect they would have had to raid into the cabin to find space for the running gear.

 

[Jim Prower]

No matter what, It still turns out to be a widebody 3-door Golf.

 

[DaddyVDUB]

The Scricocco is really sharp.

 

[homeforsummer]

No matter what, It still turns out to be a widebody 3-door Golf.

That looks better and performs better, and isn't that much more expensive than the Golf equivalent. Unless you need the extra space or don't like the styling then I can't really see any reason for picking a Golf over it's equivalent Scirocco.

 

[Appie]

It looks great and i guess it will drive great. Top Notch VW:tup:

 

[Jim Prower]

That looks better and performs better, and isn't that much more expensive than the Golf equivalent. Unless you need the extra space or don't like the styling then I can't really see any reason for picking a Golf over it's equivalent Scirocco.

Yes, and that's kind of the problem...It steps on it's brother's toes.

Have they figured out exactly how much faster the Scirocco is than the equivalent Golf? Furthermore, when will they make it a liftback or true Coupe? That's gotta be what annoys me most...It's a hatchback they're attempting to call a coupe, and something about that bugs me.

 

[homeforsummer]

Meh, it's a hatchback but as long as it's styled differently enough to the Golf I don't mind whether they call it a coupe, a hatch, or whatever. "A rose by any other name".

 

[hemisport15]

I like the Scirocco so much, I wish they would bring it here.

 

[Northstar]

I want that Scirocco here now even though I can't afford it I would like to see other people drive it.

 

[Philly]

We should be getting it's twin brother, the GTI R here sometime. That'll be an exciting car to see around.

 

[DaddyVDUB]

Yeah to see around MY driveway...

 

[Philly]

I'm trying to push dad into his midlife crisis. Now I'll have trouble deciding if I should push for a 964 Turbo or a GTI R...

 

[Jim Prower]

The 964. Duh. Then you can go chasing blue Datsuns.

Well, I suppose a golf'd do the same thing, but whateva.